Legislative Affairs Specialist III

This is a lobbyist position in the AFSCME Department of Federal Government Affairs. The position is responsible for advancing AFSCME’s federal legislative agenda by developing and maintaining relationships on the Hill and with the administration, building and maintaining relationships with other labor unions and coalition allies, and informing and engaging AFSCME’s affiliates in federal legislative campaigns where appropriate.

• Acts as a primary liaison with members of congress, their staff and committees of congress; and may appear before congressional committees/groups and travels to state councils to discuss AFSCME’s legislative agenda.
• Monitors legislative activities, provides analysis and comments on legislation, and advocates for AFSCME’s position on legislation.
• Develops testimony, letters of support, and other written statements and may serve as AFSCME's spokesperson with members of congress, congressional and agency staff, and interest groups.
• In consultation with other relevant departments, assists with drafting and revising legislative language; provides briefings on proposed legislation and amendments proposed during legislative sessions; and keeps relevant departments apprised of developments.
• Serves as a specialist concentrating on major legislative/regulatory issues.
• In consultation with department leadership, develops grassroots legislative campaign field plans to engage affiliates and coalition partners in campaigns to advance AFSCME’s major legislative priorities.
• Responds to affiliate and members’ inquiries on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory issues.
• May staff various policy making bodies within AFSCME, as assigned.
• Represents AFSCME at various professional meetings/gatherings, conducts briefings and workshops at International and affiliate conferences and meetings.
• Prepares legislative summaries and reports for various AFSCME and outside publications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college with course work in political science, history, or government and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience of related work experience or equivalent combination of related experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Considerable experience in working for labor unions or federal, state or local governments.
• Considerable experience in oral and written communications including public speaking.
• Considerable knowledge of the legislative process and the workings of Congress.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant coalition and support group organizations’ operations.
• Strong ability to communicate complicated information effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize relevant lobbying coalitions.

• Travel and extended work hours including weekends are required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.